Head-first into grade 3 whitewater

Barron River Boarding Tour

Get personal with nature with our river boarding adventure. Known for its incredible scenery and thrilling rapids, the Barron Gorge is a must-visit destination — now take your adventure through grade 3 whitewater.

Book from A$299
  • 12yrs+
  • Allow up to 5.5 hours
  • Cairns City

Experience the rapids of the Barron Gorge

Just a short 15 minute drive from Cairns, we take you to the mighty Barron River surrounded by the tropical rainforest. Barron Gorge National Park is well known as one of two whitewater rafting hotspots around Cairns over a challenging grade 3 whitewater… If you have already been whitewater rafting before, riverboarding is your next adventure!

Riverboarding in Cairns is a more personal experience where everyone has their own individual riverboards, fins, and safety equipment. We go head first into the river rapids, tackling the course from within the Barron Gorge River (as opposed to on the river).

Basic swimming skills are required. Your experienced tour guides will show you how to read the water and tips on making the most of your riverboarding experience. Come check out Australia's only riverboarding tour company. With a maximum of 16 people in your group (unless private charter), this is definitely a personal experience to enjoy in the Wet Tropics.

Your safety, our priority

Your adventure begins with a detailed briefing. Our expert guides will ensure you're confident with the gear, demonstrate optimal body positioning for each activity, and support you throughout the entire journey. We select the most suitable location for each trip based on daily water levels and weather.

Good to know

Before you go

Inclusions & extras

  • Wetsuits (Winter Season)
  • Helmet, Life Jacket
  • Fins, Riverboard
  • Safety equipment to wear for the riverboarding adventure
  • Professional instruction from a certified instructor
  • Return Shuttle Transport from Allbout Cairns Shop to location
  • $10pp – Cairns CBD Transfers (most accommodations are walking distance)
  • from $35pp – Photos &/or Videos (more expensive on the day)
  • from $100 – GoPro Hire (includes 32GB SD card to take home)

What to bring

  • BYO food – snacks
  • Board shorts, swimmers, rash top (optional)
  • Dry clothes, towel, sunscreen
  • Shoes aren't needed, but thick or neoprene socks can be a good idea under the fins to prevent rubbing/blisters
  • Extra cash if you would like to purchase your photos/video/transfers or merchandise
  • GoPro & attachments (must be hands free)
  • Wear contact lenses rather than prescription glasses
  • Daily medication
  • Humour & a sense of adventure

Restrictions

Age: Anyone 12 years or older. Guests under the age of 18 years must have a parent or guardian sign on their behalf & will need to be accompanied by a parent / guardian. We have had people in their mid 80's – 90's on our experiences, as long as you are comfy on your feet and feel confident with your fitness levels for participation then you are welcome to join us.

Fitness levels: We accept your challenge and cater to everyone's pace, size & ability.

Swimming abilities: Guests need to have a very basic level of confidence to manoeuvre in the water. All participants have to complete water confidence training, which could potentially involve swimming a grade 2 rapid prior to the tour. If unable to complete the training for whatever reason, individuals will not be able to participate in the tour.

Medical conditions: Participants should disclose any medical conditions (including allergies) at time of booking, that way we can best cater to everyone on the day. As our tours are a physically demanding adventure there are some medical conditions, impairments or disabilities may exclude participants from participation for safety reasons including but not limited to pregnancy, spinal injuries, some neck injuries. Please call us to discuss any concerns.

Rated #1 of 176 outdoor activities in Cairns

What our adventurers say

Best Adventure of My Entire Trip!

Canyoning in Crystal Cascades was epic! Everything I hoped it would be and more thanks to the awesome guides. They supply all the gear you need and make sure you're safe and have an awesome time. Rappelling down waterfalls, jumping off cliffs, sliding down and playing in waterfalls... get ready for some exhilarating fun that you won't forget anytime soon!
– Amber S. · Tripadvisor

We had a great day Rapid Boarding!

Our cool calm and collected guide leader Keanu did a fantastic job of keeping us safe and running us through all the skill training necessary for the activity. The couple of people in our group that were less confident were really well taken care of and we all had a great experience with stunning views.
– Kristy O. · Google

What an adventure!

Wasn't sure if the Crystal Canyon tour was going to be too full on or not, but Bazz took us under his wing and made the day super fun, and tested our mental prowess with abseiling, rock sliding, cliff jumping and zip lining. So glad we chose this tour as it pushed us out of our comfort zone. Cannot rate Bazz and his team highly enough.
– Nicole R. · Tripadvisor

Had the best time canyoning at Behana Gorge!

Was scared to start but started to build my confidence. The guides were amazing, funny, engaging, helpful, encouraging, supportive, intuitive. Thank you for helping us create amazing memories, experiences and push past our comfort zones!
– Zoe W. · Facebook

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